Hotel Paseo is a luxury boutique property in the heart of Palm Desert. Located off El Paseo — affectionately known as “The Rodeo Drive of the Desert” — Hotel Paseo is a stone's throw from upscale shopping, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. This modern, art-adorned property is both fun and deluxe. With 350 days of sun a year and a clear view of the towering San Jacinto Mountains, the 150-room Hotel Paseo exudes desert beauty. Hotel Paseo partners with Melissa Morgan Fine Art and the rotating collection of art on the property is curated to create a sophisticated, sometimes quirky feel. There is a pool, spa, fine-dining restaurant, pool bar, cafe, and fitness center. A silver Airstream trailer in the backyard is a statement piece and guests can rent the space for gatherings or private parties. Whimsically, there is also a 1955 red Cadillac convertible on the grounds.

Inspired by the natural beauty of the desert, the contemporary, eye-catching mid-century-modern-style hotel opened in 2018. It was the first new luxury hotel in Palm Desert in more than 30 years. Having weathered COVID, the vibrant and energetic hotel staff has kept the mood uplifted and guests returning. The director of sales and marketing, Ryan Thomas, 33, has been on the job a short time but is already smitten with his work for the hotel. He says the Paseo Hotel draws an artsy crowd — primarily visitors from California, Arizona, and Nevada, as well as Europe. With the tagline “find your path,” Thomas says the hotel is appealing to travelers who want to explore the natural wonders of the desert, the local art scene, and all that the region has to offer. 

Most rooms have balconies where you can take in the desert sky. Spa suites have soaker tubs and the Grand Desert suite has a large penthouse feel. A billiard room and record player are part of the appeal. Thomas says he is partial to the hotel’s beds: “The sheets are so soft!”

At the hotel, you will find a variety of dining options — from the Lemon Drop Pool Bar, where you can order cocktails and nibble small bites alfresco, to their coffee bar, Café Paseo. Hotel Paseo was the main stage sponsor for the Celebrate CV event, which was a huge success at the end of 2022, and the Larkspur Grill hosted a VIP reception for the show headlined by Jordin Sparks. Thomas says, “It was a blast — well-attended and the bands were great!” Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, the Larkspur Grill specializes in California cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. Thomas says, “The wagyu beef sliders are out of this world.” The bacon-wrapped dates, goat cheese, and rosemary honey piqued my interest, and I am partial to celery root puree, so that paired with heirloom tomato and artichoke-crusted cod with seasonal roasted veggies and citrus beurre blanc was the crowning moment of a lovely visit to this Palm Desert oasis.